If you’ve read any of my prior content you know I have a thing for retro AR’s. I saw that Luth-AR had a couple of complete carry handle uppers on display at the SHOT Show earlier this year and it looks like they finally dropped on their website. I’ve used a lot of Luth-AR parts in builds over the years so the idea of being able to grab a factory assembled upper is appealing.
Two Retro Uppers to Choose From
Luth-AR has two different uppers to choose from, The first is their A1 Slick-Side Modern Retro Complete Upper. Like the name implies, it uses a slick side carry handle upper, with no forward assist. It uses a 20 inch chrome-lined pencil barrel with a manganese phosphate finish. Barrel twist is 1-7, which is not traditional for a an early AR or M16 but will stabilize heavier 62gr and up bullets better. If you’re doing a a clone build, just don’t tell anyone and they’ll never know. Some of my clones may or may not have this exact barrel on them… The barrel has a .625 inch diameter, non F marked front sight base (FSB), which is correct for earlier builds and proper height for a carry handle upper.
The A1 Slick-Side comes with an early style triangular A1 charging handle, and early A1 duckbill flash hider. It’s fitted with triangular handguards and you have your choice of black of OD Green on those. It also comes with a full chrome plated Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) with retro chrome firing pin retaining pin. MSRP is $629.99 or $639.99 depending on stock color.
Features:
20″ Chrome-lined barrel for durability and accuracy
.625″ Non-F marked FSB for historical accuracy
Manganese Phosphate finish for corrosion resistance
A1 Triangular charging handle for an authentic, sleek design
A1 hand guard for a classic aesthetic and functionality
Early A1 duckbill flash hider for period-correct muzzle control
The Other upper is the A1 C7 Modern Retro Complete Upper. It uses the same 1-7 pencil weight barrel as the Slick-Side, but with a C7 style upper with forward assist and Brunton Bump brass deflector. It’s fitted with A1 sights, an A2 flash hider, and A2 stocks, again available in black or OD green. The C7 uses a mag phosphate finished BCG. MSRP on the C7 Modern Retro Upper is $579.99 regardless of stock color.
I did a build last summer using mostly Luth-AR parts that pretty much mimics this upper. I’d have just bought it complete from Luth-AR had theirs been out then and saved myself some build time!
Features:
20″ Chrome-lined 1-7 twist barrel for accuracy and longevity
Chambered in 5.56
.625″ Non-F marked FSB for a historically accurate design
Manganese Phosphate finish for enhanced corrosion resistance
C7 complete upper receiver with built-in brass deflector
A2 charging handle for smooth operation
A2 hand guard (black or OD green) for modern durability and heat management
A2 flash hider for optimal muzzle control and reduced flash
Luth-AR has most of the parts to finish your build too, so for more info on these uppers, or the rest of the Luth-AR retro products check out their website at Luth-AR.com.